FC Goa enter their final league game of the Indian Super League (ISL) season with everything to play for.

A draw against fellow top four aspirants Hyderabad FC will be enough to push the Gaurs into the semifinals, and a feeling of anticipation has set in as we inch closer to the big game.

Ahead of the game, James Donachie spoke candidly about the team’s mindset heading into the titanic clash this weekend, as well as his desire to go on and win the ISL trophy.

“There has been a lot of talk about the (AFC) Champions League, but I came here wanting to succeed and winning the ISL,” Donachie told reporters ahead of the game against Hyderabad FC.

“The club wants to succeed in the league after winning the league last season and for me the aim is the same and the team is pushing towards this goal.”

The Australian has been a mainstay in the Gaurs backline and been solid at the back since making the switch to the ISL from the Newcastle Jets at the start of the campaign.

The 27-year-old has seen it all in a fairly short yet fulfilling career so far, and reckons this is the most exciting time for both fans and players.

“I have been lucky in my career to play in a lot of finals and for me this is the most exciting part of the year and this is what I have been waiting for and I enjoy playing in games such as these where everything is on the line.”

Ahead of the clash against Hyderabad, the Men in Orange are on a stunning 12 match unbeaten streak, and Donachie believes the confidence among the side is at its peak.

“We feel confident heading into this game,” he said.

“This is going to be an exciting game to watch but in our camp the confidence is high. We have a plan and we will stick to that.”

One of the hallmarks of FC Goa this season has been the club’s ability to snatch points late on via goals right at the death, and this isn’t just a fluke, if you ask James Donachie.

“We have scored late goals because we are a good team. A game can go on for 96 minutes and teams get tired and when teams switch off we have players like Igor (Angulo) and Ishan (Pandita) who can score. This is a good sign and teams I have been a part of have always fought till the end and I see that here.

“We have the mentality to keep on pushing through and even if we don’t consider fitness just having the mental strength helps us score goals late on,” the Aussie elaborated.

Listening to our towering defender will give fans plenty of belief heading into the monumental game against Hyderabad, and you too can be a part of the discussion by heading to fcgoa.in/fanzone and letting your voice be heard in this playoff decider.